Drone rule changes could cause spray mayhem, aviation group says, but Govt says red tape must be cut

Senior Business Reporter·NZ Herald·20 Aug, 2026 01:16 AM4 mins to read‌New Zealand is falling behind overseas rivals because of cumbersome drone rules, the Government says. But some local industry groups say the risks of uncontrollable drones are too high. Photo / IC photo, Imaginechina via AFPAn aviation industry group is angry about proposed new drone rules, saying farms, the environment and public safety could be at risk.The Government says it’s slashing red tape and the changes will boost farming productivity. Regulation Minister David Seymour said the Government received complaints about rules stopping farmers from